Group Counseling
Treatment groups for children are offered to complement the goals of individual counseling and to counteract the feelings of shame and isolation experienced by many child abuse victims. Children are referred to groups from CASGSL therapists and from other organizations that serve children in the greater St. Louis area. All children are assessed to make sure they are appropriate for group psychotherapy. The groups are held over the course of eight to twelve weeks, for 60 to 90 minutes each week. When the group cycle concludes, the child is referred to ongoing individual counseling or other services outside the organization as deemed therapeutically appropriate.
Support groups for parents are offered at the same time as groups for their children. These groups help parents work out their own feelings about the abuse and allow them to be more supportive of their children’s recovery process.
Trauma informed groups include:
Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS)
SPARCS (Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress) is an evidence-informed group program for adolescents who have a history of chronic exposure to trauma and who may be currently living in a stressful environment. Age ranges for this program are from 13-17 years of age. It is helpful for adolescents who struggle with physical, emotional or behavioral difficulties that disrupt their day-to-day functioning and overall well-being, including difficulties with social interactions and academic performance. SPARCS is designed to help build awareness of the physical, emotional and behavioral effects of and responses to stress. It aids adolescents in developing personal tools to more effectively cope with current and future stressors. This is accomplished by learning how to manage emotions and behavior, improving problem-solving abilities and enhancing communication skills. Finally, SPARCS also focuses on learning how to build supportive relationships with family and peers and on developing a positive self-concept and a sense of purpose in life.
Children with Sexual Behavior Problems (CSBP)
CSBP is a program for children between the ages of 3 and 12 years old. CSBP is for children who are exhibiting sexualized behaviors such as; excessive masturbation, touching other kid’s private parts, engaging in any type of sex acts with other kids, “peeping,” exposing themselves in public, etc. This program also provides the caregiver with a counseling group that will provide support, and techniques for how to handle situations that may occur with their child. This program is effective only if the caregiver agrees to participate in the group meetings.
Families Learning About Recovery Strategies (FLARES)
FLARES is an evidence-based practice that helps youth and their families cope with the effects of trauma through psychoeducation about trauma and its effects, skill development for adolescents and caregivers and support from peers who have had similar trauma experiences. This program is targeted for youth (and their caregivers), ages 9-17, who have experienced trauma, such as, physical abuse, neglect, child sexual abuse, traumatic bereavement, domestic violence, or community violence.
To schedule an appointment please call (314) 516-6798